Suspect in Korean murder pleads for bail

Bonte Seepi | Thursday December 1, 2016 16:49

 

Appearing for mention yesterday, the suspect, Kitso Makati claimed the only reason he was being denied bail was because the police still could not find an outstanding suspect. “The prosecutor says they are still looking for the sixth accused person. I want to know if we can be denied bail just because of that? I also want to know if the suspect is a known person or not, and please explain to me what would happen if the suspect dies accidentally? Would we still be denied bail?

“I believe we are living in a democratic country where everybody ought to be given bail. Everybody is a suspect here because the state has the power to arrest whoever they suspect and drag him/her to court. So, I plead with you My Worship to give me bail. Exercise justice as we all have the right to a bail,” Makati said. 

Before Makati could continue, Motsamai forced him back to his seat, saying the suspect did not want to understand investigative and prosecutorial procedures. “According to the affidavit of the Investigating Officer (IO), which I believe you have all been served with, some of the stolen items have not been recovered and if you are released on bail, you might abscond because you are charged on very serious allegations.

“The affidavit also states that there is likelihood of your conviction since the police have very strong evidence against yourselves. You are also a risk to the society. So, let’s give the prosecution time to make their last effort to recover the stolen properties. Maybe we can consider the bail issue in your next mention,” Motsamai said.  Makati and other accused persons, Kabelo Mooketsi (25), Kagiso Gaadingwe (24), Gaofenngwe Lekagane (22), Kitso Seeiso (37) and another who is still on the run, are alleged to have acted together to shoot dead a Korean national, Ja Chul Koo at his home at Extension 2 in Palapye on October 30.  They are also accused of stealing various goods and cash worth thousands of Pula.

Motsamai gave the prosecution more  time to wrap up their investigations and ordered them to avail the IO in the next mention on December 12.